Nick in the AM: Bartonville Chief Brian Fengel to run for Peoria County sheriff

Monday

Jun 19, 2017 at 7:23 AMJun 19, 2017 at 7:48 AM

Nick Vlahos Journal Star reporter @vlahosnick

The police chief of Bartonville intends to run in 2018 for Peoria County sheriff.

The formal announcement of Brian Fengel's candidacy is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Bartonville Village Hall. A news release issued Monday morning heralded the announcement.

Fengel, who has been Bartonville chief for 20 years, is running as a Democrat. The incumbent Republican, Mike McCoy, is retiring to become Washington police chief.

"I've been thinking about it for quite a while," Fengel told Nick in the Morning about a sheriff run. "Since the departure of the sheriff, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to do that."

Fengel has been on the Bartonville force since 1990.

The statement Fengel issued listed transparency and fiscal responsibility as priorities. In an interview, Fengel also stressed enthusiasm and implementation of new programs. Among them would be one that assists people addicted to heroin.

"What it would do is help give people an opportunity rather than throwing them in jail, try to help them," Fengel said.

In 2014, Fengel was appointed to a presidential advisory committee that recommends candidates for the Medal of Valor. It's the country's highest honor awarded to public-safety officers.

McCoy is expected to resign sometime in the next month. He has suggested the Peoria County Board appoint Brian Asbell, the county-jail superintendent, to replace him. If appointed, Asbell would be expected to serve through the 2018 election.

McCoy was appointed sheriff in 2002 to replace Chuck Schofield, who died in office. McCoy was elected later that year and was re-elected in 2006, 2010 and 2014.

If all goes according to plan Wednesday, Fengel would appear to be the first declared candidate for sheriff. He also considered running for sheriff when McCoy first was elected.